ProtonVPN is a virtual private network service developed by Proton AG, the same Swiss company behind Proton Mail. Built with privacy and security as core priorities, ProtonVPN aims to protect users’ internet traffic from surveillance, ISP tracking, and insecure networks while offering straightforward apps for desktop and mobile platforms. Core features ProtonVPN provides strong encryption and multiple tunneling protocols, including modern options such as WireGuard (for speed and efficiency) alongside OpenVPN and IKEv2. A built-in kill switch, DNS leak protection, and secure apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS help ensure traffic remains private even if a connection drops. ProtonVPN also supports split tunneling on some platforms, letting you exclude certain apps or destinations from the VPN tunnel. Secure Core and privacy stance One of ProtonVPN’s distinctive features is Secure Core, a multi-hop architecture that routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries before it exits to the wider internet. This makes it harder for adversaries to trace user traffic back to its origin. Based in Switzerland, Proton benefits from strong privacy laws, and it maintains a no-logs policy designed to minimize the data it holds about users. The company has emphasized transparency through independent reviews and audits in the past. Plans and pricing ProtonVPN offers a free tier that provides basic access to a limited set of servers without data caps, making it useful for casual users who want basic privacy protections. Paid plans (Basic, Plus, Visionary) unlock faster servers, access to Secure Core, P2P-optimized servers for torrenting, streaming-optimized servers for unblocking geo-restricted content, and more simultaneous connections. The Visionary plan bundles ProtonMail and other Proton services for users seeking a broader privacy suite. Performance and use cases With WireGuard and global server coverage, ProtonVPN delivers competitive speeds for browsing, streaming, and remote work. Its streaming and P2P servers are optimized for those activities, though performance will vary by region and server load. Typical use cases include securing public Wi-Fi connections, bypassing censorship or geo-restrictions, protecting online privacy from ISPs and advertisers, and maintaining confidentiality when working remotely. Limitations and considerations No VPN can guarantee absolute anonymity; users should combine a VPN with good operational security and privacy-aware habits. The free tier has limited server options and slower speeds compared with paid plans. Some advanced features may be restricted to higher-tier subscriptions. Conclusion ProtonVPN is a strong choice for users who prioritize privacy and a transparent, security-focused provider. With a useful free plan, modern protocols like WireGuard, and unique Secure Core routing, it appeals to privacy-conscious individuals as well as general users seeking safer internet connections.